Houston said farewell to George Floyd in a rousing hometown funeral on Tuesday the 9th June 2020, with poignant tributes and calls for justice for the 46-year-old African American, whose death "touched the world" and ignited global protests against police brutality and racism.

Politicians, civil rights activists and celebrities, joined in sharing memories of the man they called a "gentle giant", after his golden casket was carried into the sanctuary by six pallbearers in masks, as a row of police officers stood at attention and saluted.

Civil rights leader Al Sharpton delivered a fierce eulogy, punctuated by the deep chords of a church organ, in which he accused President Donald Trump of showing indifference over Floyd's death, and sending police a signal of impunity.

Acknowledging the presence of the parents of previous victims of police violence - including Eric Garner, Botham Jean and Michael Brown - Sharpton said they "know better than anyone else the pain" of the Floyd family.

The Fountain of Praise Church in southern Houston preacher said until people know the price for black life is the same as the price for white life; they are going to keep going through the same thing again and again.